GWENT Police face cuts of more than £20m over the next four years, according to figures given to local MPs at a House of Commons briefing last week.

It is anticipated that between 2012 and 2013, and 2014 and 2015 around 200 police officers and 150 police staff will leave through natural wastage.

So the workforce will drop from 2500 to around 2150 people.

Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith said he believes that unless further efficiencies can be delivered, neighbourhood policing will suffer badly.

“The Tories and Lib Dems have failed to protect policing and the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“These are reckless cuts which will hit our area hard. I know how cross local people will be about the Con Dem cuts. By imposing cuts of this speed and scale the government has put Gwent Police in an impossible position.

“Despite prudent financial management in recent years, Gwent will see police officers retire and won’t be able to replace them. Given that Gwent police have now made clear the speed and scale of the cuts – then the front line can’t be protected by long-term efficiencies.

“I am concerned about what these cuts will mean for police officers and PCSO numbers. They will undermine the progress we have made to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.”